[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 153 (Wednesday, October 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2597]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING CRUSADER CLINIC ON ITS 37TH ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. DONALD A. MANZULLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 21, 2009

  Mr. MANZULLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of the 
jewels of northern Illinois, Crusader Community Health of Rockford. 
Crusader Community Health is a remarkable community-based, not-for-
profit health center whose mission is to provide quality, primary 
health care to people in need in the Rock River Valley. Crusader 
Community Health systems is part of a network of more than 1,200 
federally qualified health centers in the United States serving 18 
million people. These centers are doing tremendous work providing care 
to the medically disenfranchised in this nation. Crusader is the 
backbone of our regional community's health care safety net, delivering 
high quality primary and preventive care for over 40,000 patients each 
year regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
  This year, Crusader Community Health is celebrating its 37th 
anniversary as one of the top community health centers in the nation. 
Crusader has been lauded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services (HHS), and will soon be featured on the National Medical 
Report program of National Public Broadcasting for its positive impact 
on the local community. Nationally, the community health centers 
program has been recognized by the White House Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) as one of the most highly effective federal programs in 
existence.
  Madam Speaker, I wish to extend my recognition and strong support of 
Crusader Community Health systems in Rockford, Illinois. Since its 
founding in 1972, Crusader Community Health has served my fellow 
citizens in northern Illinois with access to affordable and high 
quality medical and dental care. I am proud to support Crusader 
Community Health because I know many of my fellow citizens would be 
without health care if it were not for the dedication and professional 
excellence of the staff, board of directors and volunteers associated 
with this terrific local organization. Crusader is a great example of 
the effectiveness of the community health center program in this 
nation. This system of care saves lives and deserves continued public 
support. I am honored to recognize Crusader Community Health and its 
personnel here in the United States Congress today.

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